HOMILY FOR THE FEAST OF ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE. 03.07.2020.

 

Readings: Ephesians 2:19-21; Psalm 117 and John 20:24-29. 

THE SKEPTICISM OF THOMAS, THE ABSENT DISCIPLE

 

What is it that is special about St. Thomas that we celebrate him? In our reflection two days ago, we saw how Christ rebuked the disciples for their lack of faith when faced with great storm and today the Holy Mother Church celebrates this Apostle, who publicly doubt the resurrection and was rebuked by Christ as seen in the Gospel. What exactly does this saint communicate to us?

 

The Gospel of today present to us the apparitions of Christ after his resurrection. At the first apparition, Thomas was not with the disciples. We are not told why Thomas was not with them and Thomas was not criticized for his absence, but he missed out in the blessings. He was a chronic skeptic, that when he was told, “We have seen the Lord,” he said to them, “Unless I see his hands the print  of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and my hand in his side, I will not belief.” One should not be surprise at this incident because he has earlier expressed something similar. When Christ assured his disciples that by dying he would be returning to the Father, Thomas objected: “We do not know where you are going, how can we know the way?” (Jn 14:4, 5). Now he stands to distort the truth of the resurrection, brooding a corner for himself and separating himself from his fellows as a result of his skepticism and lack of faith.

 

His skepticism made him popularly known as the ‘Doubting Thomas,’ a title that misstates his error and ignores what became of him. He refuse to believe the testimony of many witnesses, he refuse to belief the testimony of many and reliable witnesses, he made extreme demand and evidence of not only sight, but to repeatedly touch the wounds of Christ. He steadfastly refused to believe unless these conditions were met (I will not believe). It is interesting to note that despite his unbelief and skepticism, Thomas wanted to be around those who believed. It was good that he refused to pretend to believe when he did not believe.

 

Eight day later, Christ appeared to them mysteriously, the doors were shut but He came and stood among them. At this point, he granted Thomas the evidence he demanded. We suppose that Christ was not obligated to do this; He could have rightly demanded faith from Thomas on the basis of the reliable evidence from others. Yet in mercy and kindness, Christ gave Thomas what he asked for. By this very act, Christ want us to understand that, there is no surer way of making a good man ashamed of his wild words than just to say them over again to him when he is calm and cool. This moment of interaction with Thomas shows that the resurrected Christ is full of love and graciousness, and gentleness to His people. The whole conversation was indeed a REBUKE, but so veiled with love that Thomas could scarcely think it so.

 

After Christ has rebuked his unbelief and granted the request he made, the skeptical, doubtful and unbelief Thomas was immediately transformed to a radical believer, addressing Christ with the title of deity, calling Him LORD (kyrios) and GOD (theos), of which it is incredible for a Jew to associate these terms with human. This title reveals Christ divinity that he accepted, if not, He would have asked Thomas not to address him as Lord and God. It was a devout expression of wonder, of adoration and of worship.

 

In a nutshell, the faith of Thomas becomes the climax of the Gospel of John, the one who initially had little or no faith in the resurrection. Throughout the Gospel Christ has triumphed over sickness, sin, evil men, death and sorrow. Now with Thomas, Christ conquered unbelief. Each time unbelief cross our minds and we need assurance, let us look to the wounds of Christ. They are evidence of His love, of His sacrifice, of His victory, of His resurrection. May God bless his words in our heart as we renew our faith and belief in him through Christ our Lord. Amen! Peace be with you!

 

Happy feast day!

Fr. Ken Dogbo, OSJ